Locals' Insights

by: Josh Tyquiengco, GVB Public Information Officer

After several years of living in the U.S. mainland and being
away from Guam, returning home suddenly felt new again.

My senses were enhanced as the first thing I noticed after
stepping off the plane was the humidity. The air felt slightly dense and beads
of sweat started to form on my forehead. Of course, the hint of warm weather
was met with the cool air of the A.B. Won Pat Guam International Airport
Authority. It was a good reminder of how the vast majority of local residents
love their air conditioning. After picking up my luggage and going through
customs, I walked into the arrivals entrance and was greeted to the smiling
faces and full hugs of my parents and extended family. That's what I missed
about most; family. Guam is all about family.

My first meal off the plane was at Denny's. My family loves to eat and talk
about the latest events happening on island. As I ate my chicken stir fry dish,
they talked about who's getting married, who gave birth, whose birthday they
attended and whose funeral is coming up. They also planned on attending my
cousin's basketball games. There was already so much to do. They also started
planning a barbecue at my grandma's house to celebrate my uncle's birthday and
my return. Immediately, my taste buds were excited at the thought of eating red
rice, barbecued spareribs, chicken kelaguen and pickled mango.

As I settled into being home again, I couldn't believe the different shades of
green that were displayed along the mountainous landscape of southern Guam. The
air smelled crisp. The ocean water was crystal clear everywhere and the
different hues of blue were so vibrant. I took time to sit on the beach in
Tumon and planted my feet in the water. I finally understood why people
visiting Guam said it was like bath water to them. The sunsets also became
surreal, high definition paintings. It was nothing I experienced while living
in the states. When I heard my parents and Grandma speak the Chamorro language
to each other or our relatives at church, it felt comforting. It reinforced my
unique identity of being a native Chamorro boy in a modern, westernized world. I
just couldn't believe that I grew up here and didn't see that I lived in
paradise. I thought to myself, "This is what visitors must experience when
they come to Guam."

Nearly 7 years later, I continue to remind myself of the way
I felt when I first returned home. It's my hope that the local community
continues to fall in love with Guam over and over again, like I do. I hope you
will too.